A cut for charity

North Branch students raise money through hair-cutting benefit

North Branch High School drama teacher Shawn Sorensen offered his shoulder-length hair to a good cause during the school’s homecoming pep assembly on Friday (Oct. 6). The chance to lop the teacher’s mop was a result of a raffle held during the assembly, with students purchasing tickets throughout the week for $1. The money raised will go toward relief efforts in Puerto Rico as a result of damage caused by Hurricane Maria three weeks ago. Senior Brenna Schlaud won the honors and became barber-for-a-day amid cheers from classmates.
Photo by Nicholas Pugliese NORTH BRANCH — The devastation caused in Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria three weeks ago has inspired many people throughout the area to chip in toward relief efforts, and last Friday (Oct. 6), North Branch drama teacher Shawn Sorensen, on behalf of a fundraiser held by the North Branch High School (NBHS) student body, offered his shoulder-length locks as tribute to the cause.

Students purchased tickets for $1 for the honor to shear the drama teacher, raising more than $100. “It’s not a big amount, but every little bit helps,” said Sorensen.

The amateur haircut became a spectacle, as the teacher and raffle winner, NBHS senior Brenna Schlaud, with clippers in hand, headed before the student body during the school’s homecoming pep assembly held at the football field.

Sorensen said the fundraiser was the students’ idea, specifically students in the school’s drama club. According to the club’s Kerstyn Sass, the aim was to raise a little money while also taking care of the drama teacher’s overflowing tresses. “We were just trying to raise a bit of money,” she said. “And we’ve been saying something about his hair for a while.”

Sass estimated that at least 70 students participated in the raffle. Assistance with organizing the event was provided by the school’s student council members.

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